PMU & Brow Tattoo Removal
If old brows, microblading or other permanent makeup no longer suit you, this page explains how laser fading works, why cosmetic pigment needs extra care and how the clinic plans your treatment.
Quick answer
PMU and brow tattoo removal uses specialist laser treatment to gradually fade unwanted cosmetic tattooing, such as old microblading or brow tattoos. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster, Pico laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser are available. Cosmetic pigment can respond unpredictably, so every case starts with a careful assessment.
What is PMU and brow tattoo removal?
PMU and brow tattoo removal is the gradual fading of cosmetic tattooing using specialist laser treatment. It is most often used for eyebrow work, including microblading, powder or ombré brows and older solid brow tattoos, and other permanent makeup may be considered where your practitioner assesses it as suitable. It is closely related to laser tattoo removal, but cosmetic pigment and the brow area bring their own considerations.
People look into removal when brows have faded to an unwanted tone, such as grey, blue, pink or orange, when the shape no longer suits their face, or when they want a cleaner base before new PMU work. Sometimes the aim is to fade the pigment as far as possible, and sometimes it is simply to lighten it enough for a PMU artist to correct.
Because brows frame the face, treatment is planned with particular care. Your practitioner will look closely at the colour, shape and density of your existing work, ask about its history and explain what may be realistic for your pigment before anything begins. If you are planning new PMU afterwards, mention it at consultation so the plan can take your next step into account.
Why old PMU changes, and what affects removal
Cosmetic tattoo pigment changes over time. Sun exposure, your skin's natural renewal, skincare products and the original pigment itself can all affect how brows and other PMU age, which is why older work can fade unevenly, shift in colour or look heavier than intended. A shade that looked natural when fresh can soften into a cooler or warmer tone over the years.
Other common reasons for removal include a shape or style that has dated, work that looks too dark or too solid, and pigment built up in layers over several touch-ups. Sometimes brows were simply done when a different look was in fashion, and what suited you then no longer feels right.
Cosmetic pigments can behave unpredictably under laser, and some shades can change colour rather than simply fade. These factors can all affect how your PMU responds:
- The colour and composition of the pigment, which is often unknown years later
- How deep the pigment sits and how densely it was applied
- Your skin type and tone
- Previous work, including touch-ups, layered colour or earlier removal attempts
Related treatments
Pico LaserPico laser is a picosecond laser that delivers very short pulses of energy to break tattoo ink and pigment into fragments, which the body then clears gradually. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster it is used for tattoo removal, permanent makeup (PMU) removal and selected pigmentation, following an assessment at consultation.Find out more
Q-switched Nd:YAG 532/1064Q-switched Nd:YAG is a nanosecond laser with two wavelengths, 532 nm and 1064 nm, that uses short, high-energy pulses to target tattoo ink and pigment. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster it is used for tattoo removal, permanent makeup (PMU) removal and selected pigmentation, with suitability and a plan agreed at consultation.Find out more
Pico laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG for PMU at a glance
| Feature | Pico Laser | Q-switched Nd:YAG 532/1064 |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse type | Picosecond pulses (trillionths of a second) | Nanosecond pulses (billionths of a second) |
| Used at the clinic for | Tattoo removal, PMU removal and selected pigment | Tattoo removal, PMU removal and selected pigment |
| How the choice is made | At consultation, based on ink colour, depth, your skin type and any previous work | At consultation, based on ink colour, depth, your skin type and any previous work |
Frequently asked questions
Common reasons include brows that have faded to an unwanted tone, a shape that no longer suits, heavy or layered work, or wanting a cleaner base for new PMU. How your pigment responds depends on its colour and composition, its depth, your skin type and any previous work, all assessed at consultation.
No single laser is best for every case. The clinic offers Pico laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, and your practitioner chooses between them based on the pigment, its depth, your skin type and your brow history, after a careful assessment.
It is not possible to promise a set number. Cosmetic pigment varies widely, so your plan is reviewed as your brows respond, and your practitioner will give you a realistic idea at consultation rather than a fixed figure.
Comfort varies from person to person, and the brow area can feel more sensitive for some people. Your practitioner will explain what the treatment feels like and how comfort is managed before you start.
The treated area needs some care while it settles, and how it looks afterwards varies between people. Your practitioner will give you aftercare advice for the treated area and explain what to expect before your appointment.
Treatment aims to fade the pigment gradually as your body clears it, and results vary from person to person. Some pigment may remain, and cosmetic pigment can respond unpredictably, so your practitioner will explain what is realistic for your brows before you begin.
Skin type is one of the key factors in planning PMU removal, because it guides which laser and approach may suit you. Your practitioner will assess your skin and pigment at consultation, with support from skin analysis where helpful, before recommending anything.
Current prices are listed on our prices page. The cost of your plan depends on the area, the pigment and how it responds, and your practitioner will confirm this at consultation before any treatment is booked.
Cosmetic pigments are often made differently from body tattoo inks, and their exact makeup is rarely known years after application. Some lighter, warm or skin-toned shades can change colour when treated rather than simply fade, and previous touch-ups or layered work can also affect the response. This is why your practitioner assesses your pigment carefully before any plan is agreed.
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